Student Insight - India
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This paper is based on data collected between 2007 and mid 2012, from more than 10,000 prospective international students from India, living in-country at the time they were surveyed.
Chapter 1 Although education in India is a highly valued commodity, the educational system has been plagued by problems relating to access, lack of government funding, quality, and teacher shortages. In addition to further detail about education in India, and especially in the context of the country’s rapid economic growth and integration into the modern global business system, the chapter profiles prospective Indian students interested in studying abroad. Among the variables surveyed are gender, interest in undergraduate or postgraduate study, current status (ie. employed vs studying), stage in the decision-making process, previous overseas study experience, subjects in demand, geographical location, interests and hobbies.
Chapter 2 examines the influences impacting the decision of students to study overseas. Factors affecting decisions about study destination and choice of institution are also detailed. Sources of influence in the decision-making process, such as family members, employers, media or career advisors, are prioritised.
Chapter 3 looks at the best ways of reaching prospective students in India by identifying the major sources of information they use when researching overseas education options. Networking sites and search engines are among sources examined. Differences between undergraduate and postgraduate students are identified. Services required by education agents over the last two years are highlighted, indicating that students were interested in a wide variety of services from agents.
Chapter 4 recommends that institutions and agents highlight specific qualities when appealing to prospective international Indian students. High quality of education, improved career prospects and the opportunity to live abroad temporarily are among the important factors influencing the decision to study abroad for Indian students. Accordingly, an emphasis on an institution’s reputation, ranking and the success of its alumni may be the most effective way of communicating with prospective students. Other recommendations are made in light of the survey findings.
